Cream Cheese in Holiday Cooking: Festive Recipes and Traditions

When it comes to the world of food, cream cheese holds a prominent place especially during the holiday season. Its smooth texture and gentle tanginess, make it a beloved ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. From timeless cheesecakes to appetizers, cream cheese plays an important role in holiday cooking, allowing for endless flavor combinations.

As we embark on a journey through these holiday recipes, that all showcase the versatility of cream cheese, we invite you to embrace the joy of cooking and the enchantment of this special time of year.

Recipe 1: Classic Cream Cheese Frosted Red Velvet Cake

Ingredients:

• Red Velvet Cake Mix
• 2 cups of softened cream cheese
• 1 cup of softened unsalted butter
• 4 cups of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Follow the instructions on the red velvet cake mix. Let it cool.
2. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
3. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to beat until creamy.
4. Evenly spread the frosting over the cake.

Tips:

Make sure your cake has completely cooled before applying the frosting to avoid any melting mishaps.

Pairing Suggestion:

Enjoy a slice with a cup of cocoa for a treat during those cozy winter nights.

Recipe 2: Delicious Cream Cheese and Herb Filled Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 24 mushrooms
• 1 cup of softened cream cheese
• ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme and chives)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the stems from the mushrooms. Finely chop them.
3. In a bowl, combine the chopped mushroom stems with the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, herbs, salt and pepper.
4. Fill each mushroom cap with this mixture.
5. Bake the stuffed mushrooms for 20 to 25 minutes. Until they turn golden.

Tips:

Instead of washing the mushrooms, gently wipe them with a damp cloth to prevent any sogginess.

Serving suggestion:

These stuffed mushrooms go well with a salad.

Recipe 3: Festive Gingerbread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• Gingerbread cookie mix
• 2 cups of creamy cream cheese frosting
• Holiday themed sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Prepare gingerbread cookies according to the instructions on the mix package. Let them cool.
2. Frost each cookie generously with cream cheese frosting.
3. Decorate your cookies with sprinkles for that holiday touch.

Tips:

For frosting application consider using a piping bag.

Serving suggestion:

Enjoy these cookies alongside a cup of apple cider for a cozy holiday treat.

Recipe 4: Cream Cheese and Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup of cream cheese
• ½ cup of dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons of rosemary chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Create a pocket in each chicken breast.
3. Combine the cream cheese, cranberries, rosemary, salt and pepper together.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the mixture.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through.

Tips:

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check that it reaches a temperature of at 165°F (75°C).

Pairing:

Serve alongside some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe 5: Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers

Ingredients:

• 12 jalapeño peppers
• 1 cup of softened cream cheese
• ½ cup of cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese and cheddar cheese, then fill each jalapeño half with this mixture.
4. Dip each filled jalapeño in breadcrumbs. Place them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Tip:

It's a good idea to wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid any irritation.

Pairing suggestion:

To balance out the heat of the poppers, try serving them with a ranch dip.

Recipe 6: Cream Cheese Glazed Carrot Cake

Ingredients:

• Carrot cake mix
• 2 cups of cream cheese glaze (made with cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk)

Steps:

1. Follow the instructions on the carrot cake mix. Let it cool.
2. Prepare the glaze by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk until it becomes smooth.
3. Pour the glaze over the cake. Let it set.

Tip:

For an extra touch, you can top the cake with some chopped walnuts or pecans.

Pairing suggestion:

Enjoy this dessert with a cup of spiced tea for a cozy treat.

Recipe 7: Cream Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup of softened cream cheese
• 1 cup of chopped spinach
• 1 teaspoon of powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Carefully make a slit in each salmon fillet to create a pocket.
3. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each salmon fillet with this mixture. Season them as desired.
5. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until fully cooked.

Tips:

• Remember not to overcook the salmon as it should be juicy and easily flake easily.
• To complement it serve with a quinoa salad. 

In conclusion, cream cheese is a gem during the holiday season, thanks to its creamy texture and versatile taste. These recipes not only showcase its adaptability but also add an elegant touch to your festive table. Enjoy preparing these dishes and have a holiday celebration!